Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
Senator Babakaka Garbai has said that equipping the Nigerian military along with “troops’ motivations” will end Boko Haram insurgency in Borno state. The nine-year insurgency has; already claimed many lives and property in the Northeast. Garbai spoke on Saturday in Maiduguri in an interactive session with journalists on how to end Boko Haram insurgency, when the people elect him become governor on platform of All Progressive Congress (APC). He said the “equipping of the military and troops’ motivations” are the critical determining factors that could end the war against terrorists and their activities. Sen. Garbai, who represents Borno Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, also noted that no meaningful socioeconomic development could take place, without peace and unity in any part of the country. “The war against Boko Haram has lingered into a decade now; with the loss of many lives and property,” he said. Continuing, he added: “If I am elected to be the Governor, the top most priority, was to end this insurgency in Borno state. “There is the urgent need for Federal Government to intervene and support the military with effective and efficient fighting equipment and hardware. “Even though I’m not a security expert, equipping the military could prevent our troops from being ambushed in the front lines of Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad Region and north part of the state. “The governors at their forum could lobby members of the National Assembly, so that budgetary allocations to the Nigerian Army could be raised.” According to him, this could fill the critical gabs of modern fighting equipment of troops to end insurgency in the nation. Speaking on poverty and unemployment, he said that the unemployed youths will be registered in each of the 27 councils and trained in various skills acquisitions. He said agriculture, the main economic base of the state, its natural resources, including livestock will be fully harnessed to create more job opportunities for youths. While responding to Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi on Borno roads to link council headquarters; he said the Cross Kauwa-Malam Fatori and Malam Fatori-Abadam roads are to be constructed, if he becomes the governor. He said that when these roads are completed, including the ongoing 45-kilometre Damboa-Chibok road, the state government will be reimbursed by Federal Government.
